As part of Parachute’s Safe Communities Day, community leaders throughout Canada are asking residents to help reduce the number of distracted drivers and #Practicesafetext.
With more than 1,400 fatalities in Canada having occurred from 2006–10 as a result of distracted driving, this message takes on added urgency and is why Parachute is encouraging Canadians to become aware of the importance of driver safety and to stop texting while driving.
“What makes distracted driving fatalities so tragic is that the vast majority of them are completely preventable,” says Gary Williamson, co-chair, Safe Communities Wellington County. “Through community initiatives, we want to encourage drivers to drive safely, while making them aware of the devastating effects of distracted driving.”
Now in its 10th year, Safe Communities Day is an annual public awareness campaign designed to recognize and reward the great work Safe Communities do. Sixty-four communities in Canada have been designated as Safe Communities, with more seeking this designation every year.
“We need to take action to help make our roads safer for all drivers, and education, knowledge and empowerment are key,” says Louise Logan, Parachute’s president and CEO. “Through Parachute’s national initiatives such as Safe Communities Day and #Practicesafetext, we’re helping keep drivers safe behind the wheel.”
Parachute’s vision is an injury-free Canada with Canadians living long lives.
